Democratizing Access to Architecture: Between Automation and Creativity

The article explores the redefinition of the architect’s role in the era of emerging machine learning technologies, adding data curation as an essential stage in the design process. The research aims to explore how these technologies influence the relationship between architects and clients, and how integrating communication through new technologies like BIM and advanced visualization can transform the design process.

The analysis is conducted in three main stages: the first involves comparing market data from Romania and Europe to determine which architectural programs are most prevalent in the market and the level of adoption of new technologies in their development; the second stage involves identifying the client typologies of architectural offices; and the last stage analyzes the market segment of homes designed without an architect. The study’s methodology includes comparative data analysis, interviews with architects, and assessing the interactions between individuals building homes without the services of an architect.

Although the study is based on qualitative data, which limits the generalization of the results to the entire architectural market, the purpose is to formulate a series of hypotheses that require validation in order to develop a new work methodology that combines automation in architecture. The results of the comparative analysis show significant adoption of BIM and VR/AR technologies in Romania compared to the European average, also highlighting the need for optimizing communication between architects and clients.

The main contribution of this study lies in analyzing how emerging technologies, such as AI and BIM, influence the role of the architect and the dynamics of the relationship with clients. The study proposes new ways of interaction and highlights the impact of automation on democratizing access to architectural services.